Second MFT, or new Table Saw

[mavrick1903]

I'm in a quandry, and at the 11th hour so to speak. I'm planning on upgrading my 1.75hp Craftsman hybrid saw, to a 3hp Saw Stop TONIGHT. Unless I shouldnt? I'm a hobbyist, Furniture and small projects, home remodling (so an ocassional cabinet or built in) are what I do. I have a TS55, OF1400, Trion barrel grip, and Domino as far as cutting/joining tools go. I know a shop can go "table saw free". I'm interested in feedback from those that have taken that leap. How did it change your work, for the better? How much a mental hurdle was it to get over? I'd expect I'd need to consider investing in a second MFT/3 (I have one already) and possiabley a TS75 as well for deeper cuts? I tend towards Shaker/Mission/Contemporary styles so repititve cuts are important. This would likely bring the Paralell guides on the list as well.

Paralell guides $252 or $325 depending on which
MFT/3 Basic $505
TS75 $675 Or $1190.50 if I did the MFT/3 (full version) with the saw. about even money for the second protractor/800 rail

Total: $1500 (approx)

Saw Stop Pro/3hp
$2800 (ish)

Let's face it. I'm drinking the cool aid. That means I'll spend the coin for the tool that will last. So, while the difference is $1300 in cash, and yes, that DOES mean something. I'm also going to invest in doing it right for the long term.

PS: My Router table is a table saw extension, so I'd have that in the foot print of the saw, and enjoy the extra table space. Or, I'd need to come up with a stand alone.

 

[duburban]

saw stop for sure. i own all the festool things you spoke of and wouldn't trade my table saw for them. setting up a table saw is very fast, just set the fence. setting up all the festool pieces is a much different process and should be used when its going to give you results better than a table saw. i often use my ts 55 or 75 to get things perfectly straight then move to the table saw.

i'll admit i haven't given my parallel guides the attention they deserve.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I couldn't be without a table saw. It's possibilities and ease of work are unmatched.

 

[RONWEN]

I don't see that you've listed the type of projects you build.  Since you don't work for money there is a "work-around" using Festools for most any table saw requirement HOWEVER, I wouldn't enjoy or want to be without a table saw in my amateur workshop -- daily there are many things that are so much quicker to do using the table saw (even with just my Bosch 4100 contractor saw).  

As far as which table saw to buy, it's probably even more important that the occasional amateur woodworker have the safety of the SawStop over other great table saws -- I can't imagine a different recommendation being good advice but you are the only one that knows your skill and (safety) work habits.

EDIT:  Whoops, I re-read your post and I do see what projects you make & do -- same answer.

 

[hanshamm]

I was in your shoes last november.  I decided to invest into a good bandsaw first and see if I could get around not using a table saw, under the advisement of my mentor.  I have to say it was easier than I expected.  I do ripping with track saw or the bandsaw depending on the application.  Edge clean up on the jointer or a hand plane.  The down fall of not having a table saw so far is the lack of a dado set.  Nothing really beats the speed of cutting grooves, dados and rabbets on a table saw but you can easily get around it with a router table. 

 

[mavrick1903]

I do have a good band saw already, so that's not an issue. I'm also in a small shop, 15x24, with bench, tools etc. Within that space is a table motorcycle lift, and in season, two motorcycles that either get worked around, or (weather permitting) pushed outside to work. Foot print is not hugely different between MFT/3 and a router table, or TS/RT combined footprint.

 

[hanshamm]

You can do most things with the bandsaw.

I prefer a stand alone router table for the table size and mobility.  

 

[Wood_Junkie]

Clearly what you need is a CMS with the TS module insert!!

For $2800 you could get to Europe, purchase one and ship it back.  ;-)  Heck, and maybe take your spouse/SO on a trip overseas, too.
This gives you the best of all worlds…

However, a Sawstop is a full-featured, full size table saw...  Ain’t no replacement for displacement.

 

[mavrick1903]

Rob, which do you use? I know you're a green monster as much as anyone, are you also a Table Saw owner?

 

[Zacharytanner]

Sawstop...You will be beyond PLEASED...I just bought the same saw and it is GREAT.

Frank

 

[Wood_Junkie]

Rob, which do you use? I know you're a green monster as much as anyone, are you also a Table Saw owner?

I have a table saw, but not a Saw Stop.  I've researched it a lot, as the safety aspect is a big deal to me (in IT, fingers = typing = my livelihood).
However, I have a Ridgid TS3650 which I've been very happy with for the utility/precision/value.  I have a ProMax router extension on it, which has worked out great in terms of shop space.
And I continue to *try* to practice safe habits... so far so good.

I am a green monster!  *rawr*!!

 

[bruegf]

I have a sawstop and an MFT, and I use both.  Sawstop for rips, mft for crosscuts.  You won't be disappointed in the sawstop.

Fred

 

[Kev]

With a similar dilemma as you, I'm considering a bandsaw first. Biggest issue for me is space ... I'll be investing in CMS when I have the specific needs as that will give me limited table saw, router table and shaping (CARVEX+CMS).

The complication hits when you think about a movable table saw v's a decent bandsaw that would be more of a fixed workshop item (plus serious DC requirements that I probably wouldn't have space for).

He fact tat you ae space is a big decision influencer - I'd probably lean towards a decent table saw for accurate ripping. But the boat aspect ... I'd imagine a good bandsaw would be mandatory too!

Tough decision  [eek]

Can't visualize making a boat with nothing but MFT's , but my imagination could be a bit limited.

 

[jacko9]

When I got started in woodworking 40 years ago, I asked a friend that owned a successful cabinet shop what tool I should buy first and his advise was a good table saw.  I never regretted that advise and that is what I would recommend today.

 

[Steve R]

I couldn't be without a table saw. It's possibilities and ease of work are unmatched.

Table saw...hmmm thinking...  nope don't need one...  but I work on location...

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Kevin Stricker]

A second MFT and TS75 will not allow you to make repetitive thin rips in a timely manner.  Nor will it allow you to build drawers with a single setup.  You will not be able to effectively make large rabbits, tenons, grooves for door panels or drawer bottoms.  You cannot raise panels with a TS75, or crosscut with repeatable accuracy over 42" with an MFT.  It is also worth noting that none of the above can be done with a bandsaw with the exception of making tenons, which a bandsaw is in some ways a superior tool.

People say that having a bandsaw reduces footprint, but the necessity of having a large router table seems to offset this advantage.  While I can see that if you primarily make furniture that going with the bandsaw over the table saw could make sense, it does not from a time savings perspective.  Having to joint cuts to be glue ready, having to adjust for drift, and just changing blades all add to the time.  

For cabinet building and trim carpentry it is hard to argue with owning a good table saw.  Put a router table in the extension table and you get two tools with the footprint of one.

 

[jtwood]

I got into Festool originally with a TS75 trying to avoid replacing my Craftsman table saw.  I, too, am an amateur furniture maker, and found that the 75 just won't replace a table saw for my needs.  I have all of the Festools you listed plus several sanders, and I love them all.  The 75 is great for sheet goods, but the precision and repeatability and versatiltiy of the table saw is too important for me to give up.  I ended up with a Powermatic 2200, and I love it.  I'm sure you'll be just as happy with the Saw Stop.

If I had it to do over, I would get the TS55 instead of the 75 to go with my table saw.  I don't need the extra depth the 75 provides, and I wouldn't miss the extra weight.

Enjoy your decision.

Steve

 

[Jesse Cloud]

If you have room for a tablesaw, then its definitely worth having.  The SawStop upgrade is definitely worth it.  I have seen fingers saved.

Having said that, I use my Festools almost every day, but I only turn on the tablesaw maybe once every couple of weeks.  A big part of that is that I learned woodworking on a tablesaw and I have dozens of tablesaw jigs.  And sometimes, its just easier.  The other reason is that my MFT almost always has a project going on it and its easier to use the tablesaw rather than clean off the MFT. [embarassed]

I can see how I could get by without my tablesaw, but as long as I have the space, I don't think I will want to.

 

[TurnagainD]

I agree that the table saw is still an indispensable part of a shop.  Have you considered the Saw Stop Contractor saw rather than the 3hp cabinet saw?  I am considering that saw beacuse it at least has the option of being portable and should have plenty of power for all but a commercial cabinet shop.

 

[Michael1960]

I purchased a 3hp Cabinet SawStop before the Festool bug...
I'd still go with the SawStop with a router on the side.
A bandsaw is very useful but my table saw earns it's share of space in a small shop....